Diet Day 4

July 31, 2008 by mh.

The prospect of 13 hours on a plane is getting closer. Exercise needs to be added today.

• 1/2 serving Amy’s frozen ravioli with extra organic pasta sauce

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Diet Day 3

July 30, 2008 by mh.

I was bombarded the minute I walked into work. Stress, stress, stress. I’m a stress eater. I also found I am going to take a business trip to New Zealand on 8/8. I have to schedule the flight for Friday, so I can get there by Sunday. Thin people have more room in airplane seats. I would welcome any prayers for my diet…but someone brought bagels in and I forgot my lunch…

• 1 cup curried bean, turkey and vegatable soup
• 2 Einstein Bros. bagels with cream cheese
• 1 Einstein Bros. cranberry muffin
• 4 small pieces of cantaloupe
• 1/2 serving of Amy’s ravioli (200 calories) + 3 tablespoons of organic tomato sauce. (Nobody puts enough sauce on for me.)
• 2 glasses orange/mango juice (I bet juice has more calories than I think it does)

Not a good day. I’ll do better tomorrow.

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Diet Day 2

July 29, 2008 by mh.

Another hot summer day…body fat retains heat…must lose body fat…

• 1/2 banana
• 1 Chicken/spinach enchilada with verde sauce
• 1 banana
• 1 rib of celery
• 2 “sugar-free” hard candies (Yes, I know sugar free does not mean calorie free)
• 1 cup pork, salsa and vegetable stew
• 1 glass orange/mango juice

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The Diet Begins!

July 28, 2008 by mh.

Note: I hate Mondays. I hate starting diets on Mondays. A co-worker is out so I have twice my workload. Of course I have time to write a food log.

• 4 large ribs of celery
• 6 tablespoons of lite cream cheese (~180 calories, 9g saturated fat, 6g carbs)
• Several shakes of Mrs Dash (which has a surprising amount of potassium)
• 1 pint grape tomatoes
• 1×3x1/4″ slice cheddar cheese
• 1 cup pork, salsa and vegetable stew
• 1/2 banana
• 1 glass orange/mango juice

Exercise: I want to try the Walking Workout. I want to work up to a work out called Get Strong to Get Lean

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The Stranger Reveals Himself

January 1, 2008 by mh.

December 31, 2007

Dear Cynara,

So, the cat is out of the bag! Mother’s Day came rather late this year when my husband’s past caught up with me. I’m not sure how to deal with a stepson who’s barely a decade younger than myself.
You may recall that Namu and Colette had been frightened by a dark man who kept turning up in the oddest places. They’d tried to keep Soo Ri out of the picture after he’d confronted the man. Silly boy – he could get hurt playing the hero, trying to protect his little brother.

Mrs. Demers, who lives across the street, called once or twice to warn me that a strange car had parked near her house. She couldn’t see who the driver might be, but the Crime Watch people keep track of the neighbors’ cars. A low-slung sports car stands out against our middle class collection of mini-vans and SUV mom-mobiles. I never glimpsed the car parked nearby. Soo Ri says I need to pay more attention to my surroundings, else I’ll become a prime target for a mugger.

After today, I think he may be right.

For the last three days, I had the feeling that someone was watching me. In the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, there were a few near misses. Everyone was intent on buying their stuff and getting home without regard for anyone else. Despite the ubitiquitous muzak carols, there was little Christmas cheer in the drivers trapped in the traffic jams around the malls.

Perhaps that was when my shadow attached himself to me. Of course, Soo Ri insists that the man could have trailed me from Macy’s into the food court where I bought Cinnabons as a special treat to satisfy Namu’s sweet tooth. (Yes, I know Colette and the little goblins enjoy the sticky buns, too.)

Traffic was horrific; it stretched miles ahead and behind, so it wasn’t until I turned off Belt Line Road onto the residential streets that I noticed that a dark sports car was pacing me. It kept a discreet distance behind me, and made the same turns. Once it fell behind when I sped over a hill – then reappeared a few minutes later after the light changed. I took a quick turn around the block and glanced down the hill before I pulled into the driveway.

The car slowly pulled up and parked in front of my house.

Cyn, you have no idea the terror that twisted my stomach into knots. A chill ran from the base of my spine upwards until I sat shaking. I couldn’t take my eyes from the rear view mirror. How had he gotten here so quickly? Obviously, he knew where I lived … He knew where we lived! Terror warred with anger. How dare he frighten me and my children? Who was he – and what did he want with us? Part of me wanted to run inside and triple lock the door. But my mother’s instinct made me grip my keys between my fingers like a weapon, grab my purse and stalk inside, always aware of his eyes on me while I shut and locked the door.

Time to get ready for action. Let him come, I thought as I unlocked the gun box and took out my husband’s pistol. When we were first married, he’d drilled me on basic gun safety. At the time, I’d thought he was being overcautious and alarmist. Tonight I was glad that my fingers remembered how to load and check the gun, all the while I debated on how to deal with our unwelcome caller.

How to warn the kids? I considered whether I should call and ask you to keep them overnight. But he might have tapped our phone lines. Maybe the cell phone? Digging inside my purse, I discovered a legal-sized envelope folded in half.

How had it gotten in my purse? Who had gotten close enough to open my purse and slip something inside without my noticing? No matter – I inspected the bold black block letters that spelled out my name, address, city and state, all orderly and correct, even to the plus-four extension of the zip code. Hands shaking, I slip open the envelope and discovered a thin piece of vellum.

I must speak with you – alone.

No name, just the printed demand. I tore throuh my purse, tossing items onto the desk until my fingers closed on the cell phone. Thank the good Lord for speed dial. Believe me, my thoughts were racing too fast to recall any numbers.

One, two, three rings. I prayed that Soo Ri would answer. This couldn’t be left as a voice message. On the fourth ring, my lovely boy answered. “Yes, Mother, we’re late. I know we should have called. Practice ran a bit late, and Coach Henson wanted to talk to Namu. We’ll catch a ride with Steven’s mother.”

“There’s – there’s been a change of plan, darling. Dr. Hinotori’s asked you boys to stay for supper tonight … Colette and Namu need to finish their science fair project.”

His sigh echoed every teenager exasperated by parental concern. “Mother … it’s due after Christmas break. They have loads of time.”

“Soo Ri, do as I ask,” I snapped then caught myself. Slow down, I told myself. Don’t alarm him, or Soo Ri will rush home to see what’s wrong. Still, I couldn’t forget the warning – request? — “I must speak with you alone.” He would not hurt my boys. I would stop him. My fingers closed on the cold pistol grip.

“Mom, is something wrong? I could take Namu over to Aunt Cyn’s house and come home — “

“No, darling, nothing’s wrong. I need some time alone. I have a presentation that I need to finish before we deliver it to the suits tomorrow afternoon. Things were so chaotic at the office, I had to get away so I could see it from a new perspective. I’m sorry, darling, but it would be a help if you could look after Namu for me.”

“Of course, Mother.” The clipped, impersonal tones tore at my heart. I hated lying to my boy, but he had to stay away, stay safe, while I dealt with whoever lurked outside our home.

“Good-bye, darling. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Good-bye, Mother.”

Setting the speed dial to “911,” I slipped my cell phone into my trousers pocket. The heavy jacket could conceal a firearm. The phone rang imperiously behind me. Picking up the receiver, I checked the caller I.D. “Unknown Name, Unknown Number.” My throat tightened and I squashed the nerves urging me to run.

On the fourth ring, the answering machine droned its message. When it finished, a male voice drawled, “Mrs. Foxxe, I know you’re home. It would be in everyone’s best interests if we speak before your sons return home.” The view screen went black.

I moved slowly to the front door. A tall silhouette loomed beside the sports car. Opening the inner door, I regarded him through the glass of the screen door. It’s show time, I thought and flicked on the porch light.

He moved with the slow-moving prowl of a leopard. Although his gaze never moved from mine, he seemed to observe everything around him – the distant open and shut of Mrs. Demers’ porch door, the musical run of the Longs’ wind chimes, the warning barks further down the block. Then he loomed opposite me, blocking out the porch light. “May I come in, Mrs. Foxxe?”

“Of course, Mr. — “

“Richards … Jason Richards.”

I opened the door. “Come in, Mr. Richards. To what do I owe this unexpected visit?”

He moved slowly into the living room. Again I had a feeling that he was memorizing every detail in the room. Gads, the man was tall! Even in heels, my head barely reached his mid-chest. Why, he probably was at least six inches taller than Soo Ri. Seating himself on the wing chair, he waited until I was seated. “I’m sorry to disturb you, “ he drawled in a tone that belied the words. “But I’ve recently learned that we have something – someone in common.”

For a moment, I couldn’t imagine what connection this handsome man could have to me or my sons. “We do?”

“I’m afraid so.” He paused, and his lips thinned as if he tasted something sour. “My – father was your husband.” Amazed, I forced my face into its best poker expression. “He’s dead, you know.”

“Yes … the police questioned me about it.” I straightened my back and peered sternly at him. “I don’t have anything more to add to my statement. He left me to attend a sales convention; he died in a bar fight in New Orleans. That’s all I know.”

“I saw the police report … I just wanted to introduce myself.” His lips curled in a slow smile. Now I know how a mouse feels when it’s trapped by a cat. Jason rose with feline grace, but I couldn’t force myself to move. “Don’t bother to get up. I can see myself out. I’ll be around. Give my regards to my little brothers, Mrs. Foxxe. Ciao …”

With that, he was out the door. By the time I could manage to move, the sports car thundered to life and rumbled to itself as he drove down the street. Red tail lights flashed once, then he gunned the engine and roared into the darkness.

Cyn, this man is a hunter, and we are his prey. Now that we’ve met face to face, I don’t think he’ll harm our children, but I don’t trust him. I have no idea what his plans might be, so beware. He’ll do everything in his power to worm his way into our confidence, and we need to be prepared. Still, let me tell the boys in my own time. After all, I don’t know how they’ll take the news that they have a new half-brother.
The holidays are almost upon us, so we can meet and make plans. Perhaps that’s why this Jason has invaded our lives. Isn’t Christmas all about family getting together?

Your puzzled friend,
Sylver

To see Cynara’s response, visit her journal entry.

Posted in BJD Family Adventures, BJD Adventure | 1 Comment »

The Stranger at My Door

October 13, 2007 by mh.

To read the previous letter go to Cynara’s Letter

From the Private Letters of
Mrs. Sylver Foxxe to Dr. Cynara Hinotori

Dear Cynara,

    I hope the children have settled down after their little
scare.  Namu has unexpectedly switched his fashion style from his lovely
dresses to more dandified boy’s apparel; his new look reminds me of a Victorian
boy straight out of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.   When he’s frowning
over his school books, he looks quite like a young Ebeneezer Scrooge.  But
I am worried about the change in him. He’s spent too much time alone lately. 
When he comes back from the library — always a little before the time I’d set
– he avoids all qestions and keeps to himself, unless he manages to race
straight to his room.  Not like my my boy at all.  Whatever is wrong? 
I wish I knew.

    Cyn — your e-mail only confirms what I’ve begun to
suspect.  I don’t know where to start.  Please understand if this
letter doesn’t quite make sense.  Give me time to pull my thoughts together
by writing you.  I don’t dare phone you, and I definitely can’t e-mail you. 
I’m not absolutely sure that this letter will arrive without being intercepted
and read.  We both know that, with the right equipment, people can
eavesdrop on cell phones and mobile phones, so I shan’t be able to contact you
unless I’m on the office phone.  It’s a land line, which will make
eavesdropping more of a challenge for our stalker.

    Yes, you read it correctly, and, no, I’m not
exaggerating.– or hysterical — or imagining things. (Like a true friend, I
know you’d never make fun of my alarm like my husband used to do … and then
he’d get angry when events proved my woman’s intuition was right.)  The
last few days have driven me half-mad with worry.  The thing that concerns
me the most if the fact that he knows how to find us, yet I know next to
nothinng about him.

    So … what to do about it?  Think, Sylver. 
That’s what the good God gave you brains for.  Take a few deep breaths and
just think.

    All right…. let’s use logic and organize the facts we do
know.  Then, hopefully a plan will emerge.  And you know how well I
can work a plan.  My boss — and my ex — say I’m very detail-oriented.

    On the minus side, this man knows about my boys: 
their names and where they go to school.  It doesn’t take a genius to
figure out that he’ll learn where we live if he hasn’t already.  Until he
appeared at the Academy, I had only a vague idea of what he looked like, though
I suspect that all three children have seen him at one time or another.  On
the plus side, he doesn’t know that I have his picture.  (I only wish I
could report him as a child predator!)  Also, we know he drives a midnight
blue Jaguar.  Perhaps I can turn both facts over to the Crime Watch people
and they can tell me if he’s somewhere in the neighborhood.

    However, the downside is that he seems to guess our every
move.  Two nights ago, Jess — who was on patrol with her husband —
spotted the car and phoned it into the police after they’d rounded the corner to
give the police a chance to catch him on the scene.  But he’d disappeared
almost as soon as they’d finished the report and swung back down in front of the
school.  Perhaps he has a police scanner.  After all, there are
spyware stores everywhere in town — not to mention what’s available over the
Internet.

    On the plus side, Soo Ri has taken to his role as older
brother.  He insists on accompanying Collette and Namu whenever they leave
the house.  I’ve spotted him sitting on the porch or near a window when
they’re outside in the yard.  Last week he borrowed Mom’s binoculars. 
He claimed that he wanted to use them to begin his spring science fair project. 
Now when did he ever worry about long term assignments?  Besides, Soo Ri
despises competition for its own sake.  Pull the other one, son.  It’s
got bells on.

    Sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for. 
You just might get it.  Earlier, I wrote that I wanted to know about the
man who’s been following the children.  Well, I now know more than I’d ever
want to.  But I’m getting ahead of myself.

    Dinner this weekend has been a rather quiet affair. 
Namu has ghosted about, not saying a word, while Soo Ri barely answers when
spoken to.  Collette and I manage a conversation, but it’s a rather
one-sided affair when the females do all the talking and the males only grunt or
sigh when asked a direct question.  However, tonight Soo Ri said casually, 
"You know, Aunt Sylver, those binoculars are quite nice.  Could I have a
pair for Christmas?"  His lips curled in an evil grin as a mischievous
light appeared in his eyes.  "After all, mini-skirts have come back in
style."

    "Brother!!" squawked Namu, almost choking on his carrots.

    "You pervert!"  Collette flounced out of the room,
slamming the door behind her so hard that the pictures rattled.

    "What’s the matter, kid?" Soo Ri gifted his brother with
such an insufferably superior smirk that my palm itched to smack him. 
"Don’t you like to check out the girls?"

    "Why?  I dress way better than they do.  But you
shouldn’t tease Collette.  It’s not nice."  Head held high, Namu
stalked out of the room.

    Soo Ri sighed and regarded at his pie as if he could count
every calorie in each delicious bite.  I waited for him to say something —
an apology would be appreciated, although we both know that His Highness doesn’t
do humble very well.  I decided to settle for an explanation … and the
penalty for upsetting the family would depend on how good that explanation might
be.  "You care to tell me what that scene was all about?"

    "Auntie,  I — "  His lips pursed as if 
he’d bitten into a lemon.  "I’m sorry, but I had to get the kids out of the
room."

    I don’t know which surprised me more — the apology or his
adult tone.  "Really?  Why?"

    His eyes slid towards the windows.  We’d left the
drapes open during the day for more light, but the sun had set.  Soo Ri
scanned the back fence as if he expected to see someone peering over the top. 
"Did Aunt Cy tell you about what happened at school the other day?"

    "A lot happened at school.  Refresh my memory."

    "Oh, Auntie."  He rolled his eyes, too well-mannered
to blurt out his irritation with my deliberate denseness.  "You know. 
The man.  The one who’s been showing up everywhere.  Collette says his
name is Jace Simon Richards.  Do you think — "  He paused
expectantly.

    I knew what he wanted me to say.  "Sorry, honey," 
I said gently.  "He’s too young to be your father."

    He sighed deeply.   "That’s what I told Namu. 
But we thought — "

    I hated to squash their hopes, but if I didn’t act now
they’d look at every stranger of a certain age and wonder if he was their
father.  "Your father is long gone, darling  I don’t know where he is
– or who this man might be.  But I want you to stay away from him, 
Promise?"

    Ah, that hit Soo Ri in a tender spot:  his honor. 
We’d taught him that his word was his bond.  Once he gave his word, nothing
would persuade him to break it.  Luckily he’s still too young to know that
there was worse things in this world than a broken promise.   
After a moment, he nodded.  "If he keeps his distance, you have my word. 
I’ll steer clear of him. But if he makes one move towards Namu — or Collette —
or you — "

    "Of course, dear.  Then all bets are off."  I
had to bite my lip to keep from smiling at his formal stiffness as the "man of
the house."  Such a gentleman — and at such an inconvenient time! 
When had my little boy grown up?  I held out my hand.  "Deal?"

    He grinned and clasped my hand in a grip that ground the
small bones together.  "Deal, Auntie!"

    The front door bell rang, followed by a loud series of
thumps as Collette and Namu raced to peek through the keyhole.  Then
silence.  No giggles, no shouts for permission to let friends come inside. 
Nothing.  Soo Ri frowned.  "Maybe I should see what’s going on."

    "You stay here, son.  It’s probably nothing."  I
strode towards the front of the house and almost ran over Namu who was rushing
towards the back.  I caught his shoulders; he started, looking like a
spooked horse.  "Who is it?"

    "Don’t ask.  Just call 9-1-1.  He’s coming to
get us.  I just know it!  He’s going to take us away from you.  I
don’t wanna go!"  Clutching me to him, he buried his head in my neck. 
I could feel him shivering.

    It was then I decided that Jace Simon Richards had best
get off my property and leave me and my children alone.  You know I don’ t
like hand guns, but if I’d had one in the house tonight, I’d have met him on the
porch with a bullet and a smile.  Soo Ri had moved silently behind me. 
"I’ll stay with him, Auntie," he whispered.  "Don’t worry about us."

    Collette hunched near the door.  "Listen, mister, I
can’t open the door.  Go away before I call the police."

    A faintly British voice drawled, "Be my guest, child. 
The conversation should be most entertaining."  

    "Auntie — "  Collette peered at me as if hesitant to
let me face the dragon alone.  "We can’t open the door.  He’s really
tall and big and — "

    "Mrs. Foxxe?  It’s most inconvenient to speak through
a closed door."  When I didn’t answer, he continued smoothly, "And I’m sure
you don’t want the entire neighborhood to be privy to family secrets … Ah,
good evening, Mr. Jones!  Out for a drive this evening?  Give my
regards to the local constabulary."

    This was too much!  If Jacob Jones had seen this man
on my porch, I’d be the Numero Uno topic of conversation and speculation for the
next week.  With her small town interest in the spread of gossip laced with
fact, Mrs. Jessica Jones would see to that.  I opened the door.  "I
have nothing to say to you, Mr.  Richards?"

    "You know my name?"  He purred like a self-satisfied
tomcat.  "But of course you do.  I see the sweet little dollybird from
the Academy office standing over there.  Hello, dear.  Good to see you
again.  Now would one of you lovely ladies invite me inside before I
attract any more attention?   I’m perfectly harmless."

    "Nobody’s perfect."  I unlocked the door and stepped
aside.  Curse him, he was right — half the neighborhood had emerged to do
lawn worship, and the other half was outside, pretending to do other chores. 
So much for a quiet life.  It’d take me months to live this down. 

    The reason for the disruption of our peaceful life loomed
over Collette and me.  He didn’t glance around or show any sign of
impatience.  His quiet demeanor was unnerving; it reminded me of a cat
waiting to pounce on an unwary bird.  Worse, he looked like a London GQ
model slumming in our modest Texas house. "Please, come into the living room, so
we can talk."

    "Far be it from me to ignore the wishes of the lady of the
house."  He glided behind me.  Collette stood her ground, studying
him.  He paused in front of her.  "Don’t worry, love.  I won’t
bite."  Seating himself, he studied one of my husband’s phonographs of a
Sherpa girl near the foot of Mount Everest.  "I see you have one of Foxxe’s
portraits.  I hear they’re a good investment."

    "I keep it for its sentimental value," I snapped. 
"And you aren’t here about me."

    "I hate to contradict a lady, but it’s true.  I’ve
come to bring you some bad news."

    I snorted.  "How melodramatic."

    "But true," he countered calmly.  "It seems that
someone near — if not dear — to both of us has recently passed away."  I
frowned and shook my head.  "Edward Jason Foxxe.  Your husband. 
My father."

Oh, Cyn — what am I going to do now?

Sylver

  

If you wish to read the response to this letter, go to Cynara’s Journal

Posted in BJD Family Adventures | 2 Comments »

Not to Worry…But…

September 30, 2007 by mh.

(Excepts from family letters: Sylver Foxxe to
Cynara Hinotori, House-mother at Cerberus Academy)

September 8, 2007

Dear Cynara,

I now know why mothers eat their young. While you enjoy some well-earned time away from persons below the legal drinking age, I am stuck at home listening to a neverending whine and gripe session.

First, it rained too much, so they were stuck inside the house. Soo Ri used the time to create a MySpace page – Note to self: check on the contents. He doesn’t need to get involved with ANY older women, outside of family members. They tell him he’s cute, and he’s beginning to believe it. It doesn’t help that your daughter thinks he’s the neatest thing since sliced bread – but that many soon change, if I’m any judge of things.

I’m getting ahead of myself. Namu, sweet boy, has drifted from one hobby to another . For weeks all he could do was muck about with fabric and thread; he sewed a breathtaking costume for his brother, transforming Soo Ri into a younger Jareth (the Goblin King from that old movie Labyrinth. It’s come out as a manga, that’s how the kids saw it). And you wouldn’t have recognized Collette in the outfit he created for her. She was all dolled up in a tux while he became a doll-like Lolita maid. She said that he looked better in skirts than she did. (Somewhere, sometime, I may have to claim responsibility for that!)

In fact, they competed in the “Iron Cosplay” competition at the local anime convention – and won! They were given a box of costume pieces and accessories, along with duck tape for connections, and in 15 minutes they were supposed to create a wearable costume suitable for an anime character. Collette became the model who was draped and taped until she shimmered like one of the elf princesses – Namu even made little ear “extensions” in tape. (Japanese elves have these long, rather strange ears that droop sideways off the head, not quite like short donkey ears, but nowhere near as regal as the traditional upswept ones you see on the covers of American fantasy books.) For himself, Namu turned a scrap of velvet into a half-cape and used strips of duct tape to create long streamers that swirled whenever he turned. Together they looked rather elegant in the photos that Soo Ri took. Naturally His Lordship would never risk looking ridiculous in public — though I’ve never seen him in an outfit that didn’t make him look good. My boys – the fashion model and the cross dresser.

Within a week, though, they got tired of reliving their triumphs before fandom. Worse, it kept raining – and raining – so they could only get out of the house a few hours at a time. Soo Ri would spend hours in the garage, shuffling back and forth, practicing the latest combinations he learned in fencing class. Thank God he had something to keep him physically active. I swear that boy could lounge all day on the couch like a modern Lord Byron if it wasn’t for his fencing master. He fears the old man who can beat him ten ways from Sunday without turning a hair.

Namu and Collette have begun working out using the equipment on the playground of the elementary school down the street. He uses the rings and parallel bars to keep up his upper body strength and the monkey bars for flexibility – He swings from one bar to another, hand over hand, faster and faster, until he misses a grab and hangs one-handed like a lemur.

“Awk-awk-eek-eek-tookey-tookey!” Collette yelled one time. Obviously the kids have gotten into my DVD collection. I wonder if she appreciates Brandon Fraser’s – portrayal(?) of George of the Jungle. She may be young, but she ain’t blind.

But I digress.

Your girl tends to kick around the soccer ball after she runs laps around the field.. Occasionally Soo Ri condescends to act as goalie, but more often Namu gets the job. It’s a shame I have to limit their running around to a short three blocks to the schoolyard when I can’t spare the time to ride my bike with them or in the neighborhood so I can keep an eye on them, Yes, they’re teenagers, but there are all sorts of people roaming the world nowadays, and you never know who might be hanging about.

I know, I know. The kids have summer assignments for their core classes, some sort of novel to read, a history project to research, some math from the year before, plus some science project. But you’ve taught long enough to know that kids wait until the very last minute to start any homework. One day, one week, or one year, they will wait until the night before, then it’ll be moans and groans and trips to the library as they scramble to get everything done before they go back to school.

---

I tried to call you today, but only got your voice mail. By the time I reach you – maybe before you can read and reply to this e-mail – the crisis may be over and done. I don’t scare easily, but I’m afraid for our children’s safety.

One of the Crime Watch people told me that they’d seen a strange car in our cul de sac. A midnight blue Jaguar had appeared, parked in various spots along the street, but no one had seen the owner. I’d seen it myself once, when I left early for work, but I just though it was some rich visiting relative.

Not any more. Namu came home early today from playing about the “park” with Soo Ri and Collette. He looked shaken, and a little scared. Dumping his gym bag in the corner, he silently grabbed a bag of chips, three cookies and a Coke and munched steadily as I moved around the kitchen, fixing dinner.

Something was wrong, but I didn’t want to push him. Too many questions and Namu flits away like a half-wild kitten.

Sure enough, by the time he’d finished the chips and eaten his first cookie, Namu couldn’t stay still any more. He set down the junk food and began to set the table. “Mom … did you know that a lot of people like to jog around the park at night?”

That set all my Mommy-senses a-tingling, but amazingly enough I managed to act calm. “I’ve seen a few people there. Mainly parents with their kids, and a few people go there to walk their dogs.”

“Yeah – but this guy was different.” Before I could ask, the back door slammed open. Soo Ri and Collette bustled inside, and Namu fled upstairs.
Now you know why I’m going frantic. More later – if I can get Namu alone.

September 9, 2007

Oh my stars! That old saying IS true: “What you do in the dark will come to light.” Only it’s not MY past that’s come back to haunt us.

That night I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t work. Namu’s report of a man jibed too closely to the Crime Watch’s warning that we should look out for strangers in the neighborhood.

The house was sooo quiet. I could hear every little noise as the house settled for the night. The click of the AC echoed through the house every thirty minutes or so. I figured I couldn’t get to sleep any time soon, so I curled up in bed and tried to read.

Somewhere overhead the floor creaked. One stair then another, as one of the children crept downstairs. I remained silent. If they were hungry, they’d move on to the kitchen, or they could come in and keep me company. The floor in front of the bedroom creaked, followed by a long pause.

“Mom?” whispered a little voice. “Can I come in?”

“Sure, honey, have a seat.” I set the book aside. Namu crept towards me and sat cross-legged on the coverlet. “What seems to be the matter?”

“Momma … I don’t want to get anybody into trouble … I mean I could be wrong.” Refusing to meet my eyes, he nervously twisted one lock around his finger. “But there’s this man …”

“A man? At the schoolyard?”

“Uh-huh … “He fell silent, and I waited until he grimaced and glanced upstairs. “We saw him a couple of times — He’s got such a cool car. You ought to see it, Momma, it’s like something out of a movie. Sleek and dangerous – like him.”

“Like who?”

“Like the guy with the sports car.” He sounded annoyed by my inability to follow his logic. “I saw the car long before I saw him. It’s a Jaguar.” He drawled the word into three syllables, imitating the posh British pronunciation.

“A Jaguar? Really?” Every nerve felt taut. Those Crime Watch people were right – but who had targeted our children? And for what? “What’s he like?”

“Scary.” I had to strain to hear the word.

“What did he do? What – “ Too many questions. I shut up before I overwhelmed Namu with my worries.

After a few minutes of pleating and unpleating the coverlet, he glanced into the darkness of the living room. His profile didn’t reveal whether he feared that Soo Ri might overhear us or if he thought the stranger might be lurking beyond the pane glass windows. “He didn’t anything – at first. Then Soo Ri had to go and get in his face.”

Oh, shit. What had my boy been up to while I was at work? “He got in the man’s face? What did he do?”

“Who – “

“Answer my question, Namu. This is serious.”

Taking a deep breath, he blurted out the whole story. The trio had been playing at the park – Namu hung on the bars upside down while Collette and he criticized Soo Ri’s form as he zoomed past on the skateboard. They had a bet on whether he’d wipe out when he tried to jump the curb. Soo Ri had made the jump twice, but Namu was certain his brother’s smooth ride was due more to luck than skill.

They’d noticed the car days earlier – and hadn’t told me, the little scamps! – and theorized on who in our neighborhood had relatives from Virginia. Then Collette had noticed The Man.

“That’s what we call him, Momma. He’s taller than Soo Ri, and you can tell he works out a lot. The first time we saw him, he was just walking along the sidewalk. We didn’t think anything about it – lots of people walk around. But he kinda moves like a big old cat, always watching. It’s scary how he looks around you, like something’s coming over your shoulder.”

“And Soo Ri talked to him?”

“Uh-huh – “

“Well. what did he say?”

“Soo Ri said, ‘Why’re you hanging around? You want something, mister?’ The man just looked at him for a long time. He didn’t move or nothing. Then he kinda grinned and said, ‘You ride pretty well for an amateur,’ then got into his car and drove away.”

“And that’s all?”

“That’s all. You – you won’t tell Soo Ri I told on him, will you? Collette said I shoulda told you earlier, but I didn’t want to snitch.”

“It’s all right, baby.” I gave him a hug. “You did the right thing.”

“I did?” His smile lit up his whole face and lightened my heart. “Sweeeet. G’night, Momma.”

“Good night, sweetie. I’ll see you in the morning.”

I don’t know how you’d feel, Cynara, but I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry or shout “Thank you, God!” because something told me we hadn’t seen the last of The Man.

Let me know what you think,
Sylver

Posted in BJD Family Adventures, BJD Adventure | 2 Comments »

New ‘My Artwork’ page has been added.

February 15, 2007 by mh.

Check out my new artwork page. A friend requested it.

There is only one piece right now but I have about 20 more that will go up. 

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Doll Adventure - The Snow Bride

January 8, 2007 by mh.

Many years ago, when great forests still covered the hills of Japan, a samurai named Hikaru lost his way in a sudden winter storm.  Snow pellets sharp as spears pierced his cloak and drove him blindly into the deep woods.

Cold stalked him, and he had no weapon to battle this invisible enemy.  Finally his horse burst into a clearing.  The wind rattled the tree limbs, but no snow fell here.  A log house squatted beside a huge camphor tree.  The snow was a smooth white carpet.  This quiet place seemed peaceful enough, but he sensed someone watching, waiting in silence.

A door opened.  A white-haired woman studied him.  Holding out her arms, she murmured, “Welcome, my lord.  Enter and feel no fear.”

Hikaru sneered.  He had killed fear long ago.  But his horse shied away from the tiny hut.  The samurai tugged the reins and spurred it forward until the beast reluctantly moved forward.  He found a lean-to built on the side of the cabin, sheltered on one side by the cabin and on the other by the tree, When his mount discovered some hay, its hunger drove out all fear.  He left the animal peacefully grazing and went to find his hostess.

The cabin was simply furnished, though firelight created a golden glint off the dishes and cups she set before him.  Where had this woman found such luxuries, he wondered as she silently served him. 

After he had eaten, he fixed his eyes on her.  “Who are you?”

She kept her gaze demurely lowered.  “I am called Yuki, my lord.  This place is my home.”

Home?  She didn’t belong in this peasant’s hovel.  As graceful as a geisha, Yuki glided around the room in a silken whisper.  Gradually he became aware of how quiet the woods had become.  “Are you not lonely here?”

Her lips quirked in a shadow of a smile.  “You are here, my lord.  As long as you are pleased with me, how could I be lonely?”

 

Time passed, but it was always winter.  Hikaru forgot everyting but the lovely woman who anticipated his wants.  As soon as he thought, “I want – “ Yuki was there, offering food and drink to fill his belly or song to soothe his soul.

Yet men are never content.  For a warrior, even an earthly paradise can become a vile prison.

One day, Hikaru woke with a black anger in the pit of his soul.  Nothing Yuki said or did pleased him.

Dashing dishes off the table, the tiny crashes echoed how he’d destroyed his enemies in the past.  The memory inflamed his temper.  Enough of this quiet and inaction!  He could find that in death.

“My lord, tell me how I have displeased you.  I – ”

“You, woman!” he snapped.  “You’ve kept me prisoner in this place far too long!” 

He rushed to the door and flung it open.  A cold breeze brushed his cheek.  Yuki grasped his sleeve.  “My lord!  Do not leave!”

“Enough!”  The samurai jerked from her grip.  Cloth tore.  Rage boiled in his heart as he backhanded her.  “Out of my way, woman!”

“As you wish.”  The mark of his hand seemed a dark bruise on her pale skin.  “I will bother you no more.”   Head bowed, Yuki stepped aside.

The door swung shut between them.

A low moan shuddered amongst the trees.  Snow swirled across the clearing.  Heavy with snow, clouds hugged the bare branches.  Wind whipped his helm from his head and his cloak off his shoulders.  Cold knifed his body, just beneath the heart. 

“Yuki?”  Blinded, Hikaru stumbled backwards, but tree bark scraped his questing hands .  Where was the cabin?  It was cold, so cold …

Spring came late that year.  Birdsong welcomed the sun’s return.  The golden fingers of the goddess Amateratsu caressed the still alabaster face of the sleeping man.  But he never wakened.  As she continued her journey across the sky, cherry trees covered the silken clad form with tiny pink-edged petals, a living blanket of snow.

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 Story by Katherine Nickell. Inspired by traditional Japanese tales.

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 Hikaru - Iplehouse, Soo Ri, white skin, enhanced factory faceup, Masterpiece eyes  

Yuki - Obitsu, 1/3 scale female soft body, Gretel head, faceup by Mariann, Masterpiece eyes

Posted in BJD Adventure | 3 Comments »

The Doll Days of Christmas 2006

December 18, 2006 by mh.

Soo Ri, the de facto head of my BJD family has returned home for the holidays. Our ‘Lordship’ has been attending Eton for his O levels with intentions of moving on to university at Cambridge.

As aristrocratic and noble as our Lordship is, he indulges his younger sibling Namu in dressing up for the holidays. It seems he has been influenced by young Lord Malfoy since he is dressed to attend Hogwarts in style.  Namu has decided to dress up as a young Casanova, fresh from the convent. What he has learned from the nuns, I shudder to think.

Namu has been touring the continent and has brought home a little friend. Strix, an owlet from the Faerie Kingdom. Although he looks and sounds like a little boy, one glance from those orange eyes tells you that he’s much older than 12 years.

Strix has brought along a pet kitten to our celebration. The more the merrier I say. I hope Strix remembers she is a friend and not prey.

The tiny Dragon Lord has also shown up. His exquisite jeweled black eyes and tendency to eat any insects that show up (this is Texas and it is still warm enough for them) is a welcome addition to our gathering.

Strix has many friends and one is the tiny and colorful Luna from another universe. Luna is the sempai for a group known as the Sailor Scouts. They battle evil  - though she hasn’t shown any powers more magical that making candy disappear. Hopefully she and the Dragon Lord will get along. Perhaps they can battle dust bunnies together under the beds.  

The Christmas party keeps getting bigger. Namu’s guide, a senior student named Colette, has been invited as well. I wonder if her main reason for showing up was the cameraderie or to make sure her students got here in one piece. However, once she set eyes on Soo Ri in his Samurai finery, she seemed most intrigued by Namu’s older brother.

Soo Ri never said a work; he left the room - and I had to deal with a houseful of adolescents.

Colette laughed. She claimed she could wait for the arrogant ‘Lordship’ to discover what he was missing. After all, Namu had invited all to spend Twelth Night with us as well. Soo Ri couldn’t avoid them for the entire fortnight.

Sigh. What is a mother to do.

Posted in BJD Adventure | 2 Comments »